When my partner and I welcomed our dog into our home, I distinctly recall my mother advising, “Don’t let the dog sleep in your bed.” So, we prepared a cozy little dog bed for her. However, she showed little interest in it, preferring the couch. After several early morning wake-up calls from her howling, I suggested we try bringing the dog bed into our bedroom. But that wasn’t a hit either. Eventually, we decided to throw caution to the wind and allowed her to join us in bed. She nestled in immediately and fell asleep. Fast forward six years, and she still loves curling up with us at night.
Contrary to popular belief, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed doesn’t negatively impact your sleep. A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic has dispelled the myth that sharing a bed with your dog hinders rest. This news is a relief for those of us who enjoy cuddling with our furry friends. The study observed 40 dogs, all over six months old, for a week. The pups were fitted with a Fitbark (a dog version of a Fitbit), while their human companions wore an Actiwatch 2 to track sleep patterns. Participants also maintained a sleep diary to provide additional insights.
All study participants were adults, primarily women averaging 44 years old, while the dogs averaged five years. Results showed that when dogs slept in bed with their owners, the average sleep efficiency for humans was 81 percent—considered satisfactory. Interestingly, people slept slightly better when their dog was in the room but not on the bed. Regardless of where they slept in the bedroom, dogs maintained an average sleep efficiency of 85 percent. Although the study focused on one dog per bed, Dr. Emily Hart, a sleep medicine specialist, expressed interest in expanding the research in the future.
So, it’s clear: letting your dog share your bed won’t disrupt your sleep. Dr. Lois E. Krahn, a psychiatrist and sleep expert at the Mayo Clinic, highlights that her own dog, a six-year-old golden retriever named Bella, often sleeps on the floor. However, during colder months, Bella joins Dr. Krahn and her spouse in bed, and they all sleep comfortably.
Personally, I find sleeping with my dog far more enjoyable than sharing a bed with a human. She’s the perfect companion—affectionate yet respectful of personal space. When I was pregnant, she loved to curl up behind my knees. With a dog, there’s typically no tug-of-war over blankets, and while my dog has a habit of stealing my pillow, it’s endearing to see her find warmth in my spot after I get up.
Of course, some dogs may not be ideal bedmates. Dr. Nathaniel Cole, a veterinarian at Penn Vet, notes that certain dogs can be more reactive to sudden movements. If a dog becomes startled when an owner accidentally nudges it, it may react fearfully. However, if both the pet and owner are comfortable, it’s perfectly acceptable to share the bed.
If you feel that having your dog in bed isn’t working for you, transitioning them out can be done gradually. Dr. Cole suggests replicating the comfort of your bed—whether through specific blankets or the warmth of a nearby body—at a different location in your home. After all, nobody wants to wake up to dog breath in their face, but sometimes the dog simply prefers the coziness of their owner’s bed.
If you love having your furry friend close by, rest assured that you’re not instilling any bad habits or compromising your sleep quality. Dogs are adept at distinguishing their relationships with humans versus other dogs, and their behavior in the home reflects this understanding.
In conclusion, do what works best for you, your family, and your pet. At least when they drool, they do it adorably!
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